Markham holds National Day of Mourning Service

MARKHAM, ON - April 27, 2018 -  Today, the City of Markham held a service in recognition of the National Day of Mourning, to honour and remember those workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness due to workplace hazards.

“This is a time to pause, reflect, remember and pay our respects,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “As employers and as workers, we have to look out for each other. We all have a duty to ensure these workplace incidents are prevented. Together, we are taking a stand and working to prevent tragedies and keep our workers safe. One life lost is too many.”
Tragically, 905 workplace deaths were recorded in 2016 in Canada. To ensure these tragedies are not forgotten, each year the Day of Mourning is commemorated nationally.

"The ripple effect of fatalities is immeasurable; it devastates families forever and has a profound impact on co-workers and friends of the victim as well," says Johanna LeRoux, Threads of Life guest speaker. "I have learned that I will never completely heal, but through helping others and working with Threads of Life to raise awareness and help bring about the changes that we hope will someday make workplace injuries and fatalities non-existent, I've learned how to allow happiness and joy back into my life."

Over 100 community and staff members joined Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council, union representatives and health & safety committee members to participate in a candle lighting service this morning to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives due to work-related tragedies and to renew Markham's commitment to ensure a healthy and safe workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses and deaths.

"We cannot take safety for granted," says Deputy Chief Adam Grant, Markham Fire & Emergency Services. "We need to ensure we take every precaution reasonable to protect our staff."

"Let us never forget those who have lost their lives while doing their jobs," says Dave Davies, Unit Chairperson for CUPE Local 905 Markham Unit, "and let us all work together to ensure no more do. Work safe!"

April 28 was chosen to reflect the National Day of Mourning in 1984, when the Canadian Labour Congress proclaimed the day to align with the 70th anniversary of the day the provincial government approved the Ontario Workers' Compensation Act.

Speakers at the event included:

• Mayor Frank Scarpitti
• Catherine Conrad, City Solicitor and Director of Human Resources
• Deputy Chief Adam Grant, Markham Fire & Emergency Services
• Dave Davies, Unit Chairperson for CUPE Local 905 Markham Unit
• Nancy Myles, Senior Health & Safety Specialist
• Johanna LeRoux, Threads of Life Guest Speaker
  

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890.

For all other media inquiries / interview requests for the City of Markham:
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684.